FAQ
Here you can find frequently asked questions and answers about ....
... the Joint Action for Sustainable Development
What is the Joint Action for Sustainable Development?
We are a new initiative and open platform to promote greater sustainability in Germany. Our aim is to encourage more people and organisations to work towards an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable society and to help boost visibility for pre-existing initiatives.
What is the project aiming to achieve?
We want to promote sustainability in our society in line with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We do this by shedding light on and boosting sustainability engagement, bringing together actors from across society as a whole and jointly developing new ideas and solutions to tackle the challenges posed by the sustainability transition.
Who is behind the Joint Action for Sustainable Development?
The Joint Action for Sustainable Development is an initiative from the German Federal Government and the Länder coordinated by the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE). The decision on the Joint Action was made by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Länder minister-presidents in 2019.
How is the Joint Action funded?
The Joint Action for Sustainable Development is coordinated by the German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) and funded by the Federal Chancellery on the basis of a decision made by the German Bundestag. For individual project aspects, we are also seeking funding from other German federal ministries and social actors, including foundations and companies.
What are the SDGs?
The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are 17 goals for sustainable development by the United Nations. Their aim is to promote socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development worldwide. Germany has committed itself to these goals through the German Sustainability Strategy. Find out more information here.
Who can get involved?
The Joint Action for Sustainable Development is aimed at anyone motivated to take action to make our society more ecologically, economically and socially sustainable. After all, our motto “ALL TOGETHER NOW” is the name of the game: whether you’re an association, club, company, local government, civil society initiative, trade union, welfare organisation, religious community or cultural or sporting activity – everyone is invited. You and your organisation included!
Why me?
Because sustainability impacts us all! The Joint Action is a platform to share your own ideas, learn from others and uncover new solutions together.
Are there focus topics?
Yes, last year the topic "Sustainable building and housing" under the auspices of the BMWSB was in the center of attention. In 2024, the Joint Action focuses on the focus topic "Biodiversity". Through that, we want to give the issue the attention it deserves. We highlight offers from actors contributing to biodiversity, provide a knowledge collection and plan formats to learn, participate and connect. Find more information about this year's focus topic here.
... using the platform
What can I or my organisation do on the web platform?
The sustainable transition needs dedicated people. The Joint Action for Sustainable Development is a way to draw attention to the many, honouring their commitment and inspiring new engagement. The web platform offers networking opportunities, both regionally and nationwide, for those looking to share their thoughts, collegial advice or just discover good ideas. As such, we want to mobilise regional efforts and get everyone involved. The lack of scaling, communication and exchange means there are a whole host of great approaches out there led by really motivated people that can’t quite get beyond the local. Too often, it’s a case of reinventing the wheel for each and every person who wants to get involved, whether that’s procuring or buying sustainably within your organisation, eliminating company waste or ensuring a rapid local government transformation to climate-neutrality. The solutions are out there, but right now it still takes a lot of digging. All that is about to change thanks to the Joint Action web platform.
What kind of content can be entered on the marketplace?
The marketplace can be used to share studies, guidelines, engagement opportunities, job offers, educational opportunities, practical examples, funding programs, competitions, consulting services and much more. If the available information comprises very large collections, it is worth bundling links to larger subject areas.
Can I add more administrators/editors to my organisation?
Yes, any number of administrators and/or editors can be added to the organisation profile. You can find the corresponding function by scrolling to the bottom of the organisation profile.
Can I manage several organisation profiles with my profile?
No, this is not possible. Currently, only one organisation can be managed per profile.
... the registration process
How does the registration process work? What information do I need to provide?
Step 1: In order to create an organisation or activities, you must register. This creates a personal profile that is not visible to other users, but only ensures your access to the network.
Step 2: After registering, click on your profile name in the top right-hand corner to access your account overview. Here you can create an organisation. The organisation profile requires a brief description of the topic areas and sustainability goals pursued, a description of the organisation, agreement to the declaration of participation, a logo and cover picture as well as the name of a contact person whose e-mail address is publicly visible. As soon as the organization has been created, it is sent to us for clearing.
Step 3: We check all organisations for the specified sustainability aspects before publishing them and approve them as quickly as possible. The organisation is then visible to everyone on the map. Now you can post offers, practical examples and activities in your organisation profile that you want to share with other users.
How much time must be planned for maintaining and updating the Joint Action?
Everyone can use the Joint Action to the extent they choose. Some only create an organisation profile on the map to show their presence in the regional sustainability ecosystem, others also actively use the marketplace and the activities function. The amount of time required depends on the chosen intensity of use.
... the German Sustainability Action Days
What do you mean by action weeks?
The German Council for Sustainable Development (RNE) launched the German Sustainability Action Days (DAN) in 2012 to mark the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). The aim of the Action Days is to enhance visibility throughout Germany of real commitment that sets an example to others, to foster public awareness of the topic of sustainability and to inspire more people to act sustainably. Each and every one of us can help change things for the better. With that in mind, the DAN are aimed at everyone in Germany. The more people on board, the stronger the signal we can send out together through them. The Action Days 2024 focused on the topic of biodiversity. Nevertheless, also actions in other areas were welcome to participate. Next year, the Action Days will take place from September 18 to October 08, 2025. Find out more information here.
Who can take part in the action days?
Anyone who wants to support the implementation of the United Nations' global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a concrete action! Initiatives, foundations, schools, kindergartens, universities, churches, companies, social institutions, environmental and development associations, municipalities, public utilities, authorities, offices and ministries, but also private individuals who would like to start a campaign in their personal environment. The more people take part, the stronger the signal we send together with the action days.
What kind of activities can we register for the Action Days?
The point of reference for all activities is the United Nations 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each participant in the Action Days is therefore asked to assign his or her commitment to the SDGs.
It is important that your campaign takes place during the campaign period. For events lasting several days, at least one day of the action must fall within the action period.
Campaigns are activities that make the diverse commitment to sustainable development in Germany publicly visible. Whether a panel discussion, sustainable cooking seminar or clothes swap party, indoors or outdoors. Digital activities such as social media campaigns on the topic of sustainability are also possible. The campaigns should go beyond “business as usual” and commercial interests. Simply advertising products and/or services does not constitute a permissible campaign.
How do I enter an event?
As an organisation: Entries for the next German Sustainability Action Days are possible from the opening of registration in the user dashboard under “Events & Action Days”. If you have not yet created an organisation, you can register here.
As a private individual: Would you like to enter a campaign as a private individual without an organisation? This is possible from the opening of registration in the user dashboard under “Action Days”. If you are not yet registered, you can create a profile here.
Can I enter several actions?
Yes, you can enter up to 100 actions.
Can actions be edited after publication?
Yes, you can edit your actions at any time in the user dashboard under “Your actions and events”.
Until when can I enter promotions?
You can enter your promotions up to and including the last day of the Action Days.
Can several people edit the organisation profile and the actions entered there?
Yes, as the admin of your profile, you can add other people as editors and give them the opportunity to edit. Of course, these people must also register. You can find the corresponding function for adding people by scrolling to the bottom of the organisation profile.
Is there material available for download to promote the Action Days or my own action?
Yes, please have a look at the subpage here in the “Download” tab.
How can I contact you if I have questions about the Action Days?
If you have any questions about the Action Days, you can send us an email to aktionstage@gemeinschaftswerk-nachhaltigkeit.de. We will reply within a few days.
... give feedback or contact us
How can I submit criticism or suggestions for improvement?
We are always happy to receive constructive criticism and feedback. Simply send us an email to gemeinschaftswerk@nachhaltigkeitsrat.de and we will get back to you.
I have not yet received a reply to my e-mail.
Thank you for your request! We will get back to you within the next 48 hours.
The information about xy on your site is incorrect.
Thank you for letting us know! Could you send us the correct details by email to gemeinschaftswerk@nachhaltigkeitsrat.de so that we can adjust them?